Nelson H. Long

Nelson Harry Long, 84 years, passed away on Friday, December 8th at Reading Hospital after a lengthy illness with Parkinson's disease. He was the dear, beloved husband of Patricia E. (Piro) Long and shared 58 wonderful years together.

Nelson was born in Scranton, Pa on July 5th, 1939 and was the son of the late George and Mary (Smith) Long. He graduated from Nutley High School, Nutley, NJ in 1957 where he lettered in 4 varsity sports: football, basketball, track and crew. He was a lifeguard and camp counselor during the summertime.

After high school he attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute where he played football. He then attended Rutgers University where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in history in 1962 as well as a MBA in accounting in 1965. He graduated from OCS school and was a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army where he was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and served in artillery. Nelson was a staunch supporter of the U.S. Military as well as the United States Declaration of Independence.

Nelson's professional work experience began as a CPA with Price Waterhouse in the greater NY area. He also worked for Keene Corporation (Princeton, NJ), Triangle Pacific (Long Island) and Audit Executive for Bethlehem Steel (Bethlehem, Pa). After relocating from New Jersey to Pennsylvania in 1976, Nelson was CFO with Textile Chemical, a partner with Beard and Company and Berks County Treasurer. In addition, he was an adjunct professor at Albright College, Alvernia University, Kutztown University and RACC where he taught undergraduate and graduate accounting courses. He also worked with several small businesses in the Reading area to help them become established and in an advisory capacity.

Nelson was a lifetime member of the NJ Society of CPA's, the Pa. Institute of CPA's and the American Institute of CPA's.

He was on the board of Threshold, volunteered for Big Brother and was a member of Rotary Club. As well as a lifelong financial supporter of Saint Ignatius Loyola Church.

He enjoyed spending time with family, grandchildren and friends, playing duplicate bridge, watching NFL football (NY Giants and was a season ticket holder), pulling for the Clemson Tigers, swimming, reading books related to military history and relaxing at the beach with his family.

Nelson and Pat enjoyed both domestic and international travel. They especially enjoyed the decades they spent vacationing on Hilton Head Island, SC.

Nelson will be remembered for his humility, being a gentleman and his interest and aptitude in accounting and finance.

In addition to his wife, Patricia, those left to cherish his memory are his children: Melissa A. Leonard (Thomas) of Harrisburg, and Douglas E. Long (Aubrey) of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren: Brennan Long, Gavin Long and Allison Leonard; brother, George Henry Long, Jr. (Linda); sister-in-law, Mary Ann Piro; cousins, several nieces, a nephew and many great nieces and nephews.

Nelson was predeceased by George and Mary Long, Margaret Colburn (Aunt Margaret) and Ernest and Anne Piro.

A visitation will be held on Monday, December 18, 2023, from 10 to 11 a.m. with a prayer service to begin at 11 a.m. with military honors to follow.

The family would like to thank all the nurses, doctors, nurse's aides, home health aides, physical, occupational and speech therapists that helped care for him. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to The Michael J. Fox Foundation. Nelson and Dad, we will miss you immensely and love you forever. Love transcends time and place.

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc, West Reading is honored to serve Nelson's family. Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.